Joining hands with a SaaS application development company might be the next logical step for you after hitting upon a great idea. Unfortunately, developing a SaaS application isn’t one of those decisions you can make without conducting proper research first.
It requires you to comprehend the ins and outs of the software development process to make the right decisions when hiring a development team, marketing a new solution, or allocating the budget. And that’s what this article will help you with.
At DFY SaaS, we have helped 100+ companies excel in the B2B domain by creating SaaS solutions for startups and established businesses. Hence, rest assured that the tips we will share with you in this piece are battle-proven.
Things to Consider When Building a SaaS Application
You need to make allowance for various factors when building a SaaS app. Based on the level of technicality, we divided them into two categories:
- Technical Features of SaaS Applications
- Non-Technical Features of SaaS Applications
Technical Features of SaaS Applications
A robust SaaS application should perform seamlessly in the following respects:
- Database that Serves Best
While it’s beneficial to have a big flexible and secure database, you should pick a specific type that best serves your business needs. The database type you choose primarily depends on different factors. This includes data type, expected load, programming language, the percentage of read-to-write actions, and budget.
- Ease of Scaling SaaS
Scalability is a crucial part of the SaaS development process. The software you intend to develop must have the tendency to scale vertically and horizontally. Expanding the solution shouldn’t be a problem for your business.
- Frequent Software Updates
There’s nothing such as a perfect solution in the digital realm. Your users’ expectations and needs grow over time, and so should your SaaS application, especially if you want to oblige them. Frequently updating your SaaS application based on user feedback is a must to keep pace with the competition.
- Choice of Instruments
It takes some tools and skills to implement an idea. Even if you are developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), you will need to use different technologies, programming languages, and platforms.
Here is what the list looks like:
● Frontend Programming Languages
React: It’s an ideal solution if you want to build social networks, e-commerce sites, landing pages, and frontend & UI websites. The top features include Client-side development, React virtual DOM, Hybrid mobile development, and React components and their reusability.
HTML: HyperText Markup Language is used to finalize the structure of the content on the app. With HTML 5, the latest version, you can easily structure audio and video content on your application’s frontend.
CSS: Cascading Style Sheet or CSS help style the HTML written document in a preferable state. It formats the content and gives it a distinct look and feel.
● Backend Programming Languages
Node JS: Developed as a server-side environment, the programming language can be used in the frontend and backend. Node JS is preferred because of its flexibility, customizability, and huge library of packages that allow you to develop feature-rich full-stack apps.
Laravel: It’s perfect for creating SaaS apps because Laravel is equipped with all the components that help build modules like payments, admin dashboards, and subscriptions. More importantly, the framework simplifies the delivery of functionalities such as deal-based offers, free trials, and full users.
Cloud Provider
Amazon Web Services: The real value of the Cloud is not about reducing ‘hosting costs.’ Rather, it will be more cost-effective when you compare the whole equation. For instance, choosing Amazing Web Series (AWS) means you have selected a cloud provider that is five years ahead of its competition. Nearly 70 percent of the communities and niches such as Fintech, software companies, or banks are using AWS.
- Third-Party Integrations
To increase your solution’s value, marketability, and frequency of adding new features, third-party integrations are essential. So, keep room for these kinds of integrations in your SaaS application by providing easy to consume APIs and documentation. For example, integrating solutions like Slack can convince more users to opt for your app.
Non-Technical Features of SaaS Applications
Building a robust SaaS software is only half the battle. The other half requires it to be user-friendly, so your product should be:
- Market Fit
Before starting product development, make sure there is a demand for your product in the market. Analyze the market and see if there is a space for it. It will help you set realistic expectations right from the outset.
- Effective in Custom Acquisition Process
Since you are building software for users, make sure it’s user-friendly, eye-catching, and marketable to the target audience. Caring for your ideal customers means having a fair price policy and subscription lifecycle.
- Offering Different Kinds of Subscriptions
Having different kinds of subscriptions makes it easier to attract customers. Additionally, users feel ecstatic to know that they can continue to use a solution even if their budget changes simply by switching to a smaller or bigger package.
Now that you have learned what essential features you need to take into account when building your SaaS app, let’s get down to another important aspect.
SaaS Application Development
This is perhaps an important juncture that will determine the faith of your venture. We are talking about your SaaS development team.
In a rapidly evolving world, it’s unthinkable to survive without a professional team of developers, designers, and testers. These people will aid you immensely improve your product, providing consistent support to maintain it, and making the necessary upgrades.
Forget about the permanent employees sitting in your office. In the world of technology, it means teleworking. Because having a permanent team of SaaS developers is a luxury from the financial point of view. Especially when one considers the average price per hour for software development.
Region Average Price Per Hour for Software Development
Western Europe $66
North America $55
Latin America $50
Eastern Europe $37
Africa $31
Asia Pacific $28
The trend of 2022 is to outsource SaaS development. A capable SaaS application development company can provide a full range of services to develop a successful cloud-based solution.
Just find a SaaS development company you can entrust. See if the potential company has relevant expertise and experience, has a great history of developing SaaS projects, and has received compliments from clients.
And guess what? You don’t have to look too far. DFY SaaS is a top SaaS application development company that leading businesses and startups trust when outsourcing software development.